Portable Insulated Container

ABSTRACT

A portable insulated container which includes multiple methods of cooling the inside of the container. The interior of the container preferably includes compartments and/or shelves in order to store and separate different items the user wishes to keep cool. Preferably, the shelves and compartments are dimensioned specifically for certain beverage, food, and other containers. Preferably, there is more than one means for cooling the interior of the insulated container. Two such methods include shelves which contain a freezable liquid and/or by storing blocks of ice in the container. The outer portion of the insulated container preferably includes features for tailgating, camping, and cooking out. Preferably, the container includes a space to hold a cutting board. In addition, the container preferably includes wheels and a handle in order to facilitate transportation. The container includes ridges on the outside of the container in order to hold other containers and/or items.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.53(c), this non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of an earlier-filed provisional application. The earlier application was filed on Oct. 23, 2015. It was assigned Ser. No. 62/245,308. It listed the same inventor.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of insulated storage containers. More specifically, the invention comprises a portable insulated container which includes multiple methods of maintaining a reduced temperature within the container.

2. Description of the Related Art

The need to keep items cool or cold, especially food and drink, has long been recognized. In the modern era, this is easily accomplished using a refrigerator. Of course, a refrigerator requires electricity and this fact introduces concerns in the portable environment. There are prior art devices configured to run on 12V or 24V DC power—such as typically available in motor vehicles—but tend to be quite expensive. In addition, they introduce the risk of depleting the vehicle's battery unless a complex split-charging system is installed. It is preferable to provide a refrigeration solution that does not depend on external power.

In order to keep items cold (or cool them) without access to a conventional refrigerator another means must be used. The simplest solution to keeping items cool “on-the-go” is an insulated container. Insulated containers include lunch boxes. Styrofoam ice chests, plastic coolers, etc. Such containers are inherently flexible in that they may be used to reduce heat loss from hot items as well as reducing heat gain for cold items.

By adding ice, an ice pack, or other cold objects to an insulated container, the user can cool or maintain the cool temperature of other items. Oftentimes, beverages and food are kept cool in an insulated container during a cookout or other outdoor event. In the case of coolers (large insulated containers fabricated of plastics or Styrofoam), small pieces of ice are typically used in order to cool the items/inside of the container. This is especially useful for canned, bottled, and otherwise sealed food or drinks. Unfortunately, the ice in the container melts, creating a volume of ice water. In the case of sealed beverages and food, this not an issue. However, this can cause some problems if the food or drink is not completely sealed. In fact, even closed containers such as re-sealable plastic zipper bags and plastic reusable and re-sealable storage containers may not be completely air or water tight. Thus, even seemingly water-compatible food stored in such containers may become ruined as the ice in the insulated container melts.

Furthermore, foods which are not in a sealed or semi-sealed container require more diligence in order to keep water from entering the containers. Therefore, what is needed is an insulated container that allows the user to cool or warm food and drinks while minimizing the exposure of such items to melt water. The present invention achieves these objectives, as well as others discussed in the following text.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a portable insulated container which includes multiple methods of cooling the container's contents. The interior of the container preferably includes compartments and/or shelves in order to store and separate different items. Preferably, the shelves and compartments are dimensioned specifically for certain beverage, food, and other containers. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is more than one means for cooling the interior of the insulated container. One such method includes shelves which contain a freezable liquid. Another method of cooling the interior of the portable insulated container is by storing blocks of ice in the container.

The outer portion of the portable insulated container preferably includes features for tailgating, camping, and cooking out. Preferably, the container includes a space to hold a cutting board. In addition, the container preferably includes wheels and a handle to facilitate transportation. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes ridges on the outside of the container in order to hold other containers and/or items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, showing the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an open state.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view, showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing the embodiment of FIG. 3 in an open state.

FIG. 5A is an elevation view, showing the ability of the present invention to hold and prevent motion of in multiple objects.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view, showing the present invention holding multiple objects.

FIG, 6 is a perspective view, showing the embodiment of FIG. 3 containing a block of ice.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing the embodiment of FIG. 3 in a horizontal orientation.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing the insulated cooler with a liquid container and dispenser.

FIG. 9 is as perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view, showing the storage chassis of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, showing a shelf cover as it is inserted into a channel on a shelf.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   10 insulated container -   12 chassis -   14 door -   16 door handle -   18 ridge -   20 cutting board storage space -   22 hinge assembly -   23 cutting board -   24 tab -   26 top portion -   28 top handle -   30 wheel -   32 front support -   34 cam -   36 locking mechanism -   38 slot -   40 latch -   42 channel -   44 shelf -   46 drawer -   48 first door -   50 second door -   52 lower portion -   54 ice catch -   56 raised side wall -   58 storage container -   60 tabletop -   62 tabletop support -   64 sidewall -   66 first shelf -   68 second shelf -   70 wine bottle -   72 third shelf -   74 cupcake carrier -   76 spacer -   78 ice block -   80 ice block retainer -   82 liquid container -   84 dispenser -   86 compartment -   88 plate compartment -   90 knife compartment -   92 flatware compartment -   94 glass compartment -   96 bowl compartment -   98 napkin compartment -   100 cutting board compartment -   102 shelf cover

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable insulated container used to maintain food and/or drink items in a cooled or heated state. FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment. Insulated container 10 preferably includes chassis 1 and at least one door 14. A seal is preferably created between chassis 12 and door 14 when in a closed state, as shown in FIG. 1. Door 14 is hingedly connected to chassis 12 as shown. The reader will note that the orientation of insulated container 10 is vertical, or upright. This is the preferred orientation of container 10, but of course the container may be placed in other orientations as the user prefers. Hinge assembly 22 allows the user to open door 14 as he or she would open a typical vertically upright door by pulling door handle 16.

Preferably, door 14 includes ridges 18 and cutting board storage space 20 in addition to door handle 16. Cutting board space 20 allows the user to store a cutting board 23 on door 14. Tabs 24 (or some other retention feature(s)) retain cutting board 23 in its storage space until it is needed. The tabs could be made of a rigid rubber or a flexible plastic material. In some embodiments of the present invention, a cutting board 23 may be retained in top portion 26 of chassis 12, thereby allowing the user to cut or serve directly on top portion 26 of insulated container. Additional ridges 18 may also be provided for top portion 26.

Ridges 18 serve to retain items on the working surface. In the orientation shown in FIG. 1, the working surface is top portion 26. Of course, if the cooler is pivoted so that door 14 faces upward the working surface will be the outer surface of door 14. The ridges are preferably high enough to “capture” sliding items such as food containers and drink cans. The present invention is preferably portable. FIG. 1 shows insulated container 10 in an upright, stationary configuration. As illustrated, container 10 is supported by front supports 32 and wheels 30. Some embodiments of insulated container 10 include locks for wheels 30. When activated, these prevent rotation of the wheels. Preferably, the top portion 26 of chassis 12 includes top handle 28. As illustrated, to handle 28 is in a retracted state. Top handle 28 preferably extends 10-30 cm in the same way as an extendable luggage handle. This feature allows the user to easily pull insulated container 10 along. Wheels 30 are provided so that the assembly may roll easily over varying terrain as the user pulls on handle 28. The user typically extends handle 28 to the desired position, then pivots the container onto its wheels. Front supports 32 are lifted free of the ground and the container is then ready to roll.

FIG. 2 shows insulated container 10 in an upright position with door 14 swung open. In this embodiment of the present invention, door 14 is capable of locking in the closed position (the closed position as it is shown in FIG. 1). Preferably door 14 includes a locking mechanism 36. Locking mechanism 36 comprises slot 38 and cam 34. Cam 34 is in the open position in the current view. Cam 34 remains in the open position (as illustrated in FIG. 2) while the user is pulling door handle 16 (shown in FIG. 1). Once the user releases handle 16, cam 34 rotates 90 degrees clockwise (in the current view). Preferably, locking mechanism 36 includes slot 38. Cam 34 is preferably spring loaded, thereby biasing cam 34 to the closed position. Thus, as the user closes door 14 and cam 34 slides along locking mechanism 36 (which includes an angled surface), cam 34 is forced into slot 38 (via the spring)—locking door 14 in the closed position. When the user pulls door handle 16, the bias of the cam is released, thereby disengaging cam 34 from slot 38. Of course, this is one of many possible methods of maintaining door 14 in a closed position.

Another method of maintaining doors 14 in a closed state is shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment of insulated container 10, doors 14 are maintained in a closed state using simple latches 40. Preferably, latches 40 include a slot which engages a bar located on door 14 (not visible in FIG. 3). The mechanism used to engage door 14 with chassis 12 can take many other forms as well. Some examples of locking mechanisms include a magnetic strip lining the inner door 14 surface where contact is made with a metal lining located on chassis 12 or a slider on the inner surface of door 14 which engages a channel on the inner surface of chassis 12. In some instances a locking mechanism may not be required.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the reader will note that insulated container 10 is an open state. Preferably, the inner volume of chassis 12 includes multiple channels 42 along the inner sidewalk configured to receive and hold shelves 44. As illustrated, shelves 44 fit into channels 42. Shelves 44 are preferably removable (The reader will note that there is a pair of channels 42 without a shelf 44). This allows the user to vary the distance between shelves 44 if so desired and to remove some shelves in order to store larger items. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shelves 44 can be locked into position in order to prevent shelves 44 from exiting channel 42. Channels 42, and therefore shelves 44 may not be evenly spaced in the vertical direction. In fact, shelves 44 are preferably spaced specifically to fit certain objects this will be discussed further in the subsequent text.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shelves 44 provide a source of cooling to the contents of insulated container 10. One method of achieving this is to fill shelves 44 with a liquid which can freeze. For example if shelves are filled with water, the user can place them in a freezer in order to freeze the water within the shelves. This allows contents in insulated container 10 to remain cold without filling container 10 with ice cubes, which create water caused when the ice cubes melt. Similarly, shelves 44 may be filled with a refrigerant gel or liquid, such as that found in ice packs. Using the shelves to contain the cooling medium avoids the prior art problem of uncontained melt water. Another method of providing cooling shelves is to provide an opening in each shelf 44 which allows the user to fill the shelves with ice cubes (The shelves will likely need to be thicker than those depicted). One advantage of using a gel or liquid refrigerant is that the user could also heat the shelves in order to keep the contents of insulated container 10 warm.

Of course, those skilled in the art will know that water expands significantly when it transitions from a liquid to a solid. This fact should be considered in the design of the shelves. In addition, the shelf design may need to be thermally conductive. One could create the shelves to contain a hollow volume configured to receive water. The upward facing surface and the edges of this shelf embodiment could be made of aluminum (left and right edges as well as front and rear edges). The bottom wall enclosing the hollow volume could be made of a flexible synthetic material. This material would expand as the ice freezes, preventing any deformation of the upper surface or the edges of the shelf.

The inner volume of chassis 12 also preferably includes drawer 46. Drawer 46 is preferably used as another method of cooling the inner volume of insulated container 10. In one embodiment, drawer 46 is filled with ice cubes. In this embodiment, beverage cans, bottles and other sealed beverage/food containers can be placed in drawer 46. In a preferred embodiment, drawer 46 includes a large block of ice. Those familiar with the art will realize that a block of ice will take more time to melt, thereby creating less water and keeping items within container 10 cool for a longer period of time. In fact, drawer 46 may be made strong enough so that it can be filled with water and set into a freezer overnight. In this case the drawer becomes a “mold” for the block of is used to provide cooling.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, insulated container 10 includes tabletop 60. Tabletop 60 provides an increased amount of space or the user to place objects, platters, drinks, etc. and/or prepare food. Tabletop 60 is configured to fold down against sidewall 64 while transporting container 10. Alternatively, the two portions of tabletop 60 may be configured to slide laterally out of chassis 12.

Stability of the extended structure may be augmented by one or more tabletop supports 62. In this embodiment, tabletop support 62 is a simple support attached to sidewall 64 and the underside of tabletop 60. Tabletop support 62 preferably folds or slides in order to allow tabletop 60 to fold downwards. After tabletop 60 is folded downwards, the user can lock tabletop 60 in place.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of insulated container 10 having multiple doors 14. First door 48 pivots on hinge assembly 22 in order to open as shown in FIG. 4. Second door 50 may slide outward or may open downward as shown in FIG. 4. Although two doors 14 are shown, there may be more doors able to open in different directions. In some instances, a downward opening door may be more desirable than a side opening door.

In some embodiments of the present invention, wheels 30 are included proximate top portion 26 as well as lower portion 52 of insulated container 10. This allows the user to place containers on doors 14 while transporting insulated container 10. This will be discussed further in the subsequent text.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, second door 50 opens downward. In some instances, lower portion 52 is filled with ice. In the case where lower portion 52 is filled with ice cubes, ice catch 54 is attached to insulated container 10. Preferably, ice catch 54 is hingedly connected to the lower portion 52 of container 10. When the user opens second door 50, ice catch 54 drops down (into the position illustrated in FIG. 4) in order to prevent ice from exiting the inner portion of chassis 12. The reader will note that ice catch 54 includes raised side walls 56. Ice catch 54 is inclined due to the positioning of ice catch and the configuration of doors 14. This coupled with sidewalls 56 prevent ice cubes from exiting the lower portion 52 of chassis 12 when second door 50 is opened.

As discussed briefly in the preceding text, storage container 58 can be placed on the top portion 26 of insulated container 10 as illustrated in FIG. 4. In a preferred embodiment, storage container 58 is sized such that ridges 18 closely surround its base and secure it in position. Storage container 58 can be used for any items that the user does not need to keep cool within insulated container 10.

FIG. 5A shows a front elevation view of insulated container 10 in an open state. As illustrated, shelves 44 are preferably spaced specifically to fit the dimensions of certain objects. For example, the space between first shelf 66 and second shelf 68 is just larger than the diameter of a wine bottle 70. Similarly, the distance between second shelf 68 and third shelf 72 is just larger than the height of a cupcake carrier 4. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, insulated container 10 includes spacers 76. Preferably, spacers 76 are dimensioned in order to fit between certain shelves. For example spacer 76 located between first shelf 66 and second shelf 68 allows the user to fill that space with as many wine bottles as desired (in this case five), then fill the rest of the space with spacer 76. This insures that wine bottles 70 are not jostled around during transport of container 10. The ability to keep the objects inside container 10 from shifting during transportation or while in a horizontal orientation (door 14 in this view facing upward) is preferred. This is especially true when the objects include sandwich platters, cheese trays, and cupcake carriers. By packing and transporting insulated container 10 while in an inclined or horizontal state, the shelves 44 and spacers 76 keep the objects from overturning. Although specific examples of items placed (and therefore spaced) between shelves are shown, there are many other shelf spacing configurations. For example shelves 44 can be spaced for soda/beer cans, meat packages, food storage containers (such as Tupperware® or the like), or any other items a user may want to keep cool or warm.

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of insulated container 10 filled with items. These items include wine or champagne bottles 70 and a cupcake holder or enclosed platter tray. In this embodiment, shelves 44 may be in a cooled or heated state. For example if wine bottles 70 are filled with red wine, then it may be desirable to only cool the bottom portion of insulated container 10 while the shelves with the wine and cupcake holder 74 are kept neutral. In this case, the user may also place bread or buns on the top shelf 44 in order to keep them around room temperature.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the inner volume of chassis 12 includes a large ice block 78. Ice block retainer 80 preferably prevents ice block 78 from moving within lower portion 52 of chassis 12. As discussed in the preceding text, ice block 78 melts at a slower rate than a large amount of small ice cubes, and therefore maintains the inner volume of insulated container 10 at a cooler temperature for a longer amount of time and produces less water.

FIG. 7 shows insulated container 10 in a horizontal orientation. As shown, insulated container 10 can be transported much like a wagon. In this embodiment, storage chassis 58 can rest upon door 14 while transporting container 10. Ridge 18 preferably prevents storage chassis 58 from falling off of container 10 as the assembly is pulled by the user.

The reader will note that the present description relates mainly to keeping the contents of insulated container 10 cool. However, there are many instances where a user would prefer to keep the contents of insulated container 10 warm or hot which are only briefly discussed in the preceding text. In these instances, the gel or liquid within shelves 44 can be heated. The heated shelves act to keep the contents within insulated container warm. In addition to heating shelves 44, some embodiments of insulated container 10 include battery powered heating elements.

The reader will note that the user can cool or heat only a portion of shelves 44 if desired. For examples, the user can cool or heat shelves 44 proximate the lower portion of container 10 while not heating or cooling shelves near the top portion of container 10 (or vice versa). This is useful if, for example, it is very hot outside and the user wants to keep something cool but does not wish it to get hot. On the other hand, if it is very cold outside and the user wants to keep a food or drink warm or room temperature, the food or drink can be kept in container 10, but on a non-heated shelf. An example of an item that the user does not want to reach a high temperature on a very hot day is cake or cupcakes. On the other hand, those familiar with the art will realize that typically cake is better at room temperature.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, insulated container 10 includes liquid container 82 and dispenser 84. Preferably, liquid container 82 is surrounded by a separate layer of freezable/heat-able liquid or gel. This allows the user to heat or cool the gel/liquid surrounding liquid container 82 prior to filling the liquid container 82 with the user's drink of choice. Based on the event and outdoor temperature, the user can fill liquid container 82 with hot chocolate, coffee, water, sports drink, or any other drink. Once liquid container 82 is filled, the user can dispense the liquid using dispenser 84.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. Preferably, insulated container 10 includes ice catch 54 having raised side walls 56. This embodiment of the present invention functions largely in the same manner as that shown in FIG. 4. The reader will note that raised side walls 56 extend further than those shown in FIG. 4. This allows ice catch 54 to capture more ice cubes when door 14 is opened.

In some embodiments of the present invention, storage container 58 is simply an open container without any divisions or compartments. In a preferred embodiment, storage container 58 is compartmentalized, as shown in FIG. 10. As illustrated, storage container preferably includes multiple compartments 86 such as plate compartment 88, knife compartments 90, flatware compartments 92, glass compartments 94, bowl compartments 96, napkin compartment 90, and cutting board compartment 100. While many compartments 86 are shown, the present invention should not be limited to any specific compartment described. For example, chassis 58 may include a plastic cup, wine stopper, wine/can opener, or any other desired compartment.

Preferably, shelves 44 include shelf covers 102 as illustrated in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, shelf cover 102 is a rigid, transparent plastic material. This allows the user to protect the contents on shelf 44 from insects and impact damage. Shelf 44 preferably includes channel 104. Shelf cover 102 fits into channel 104 in order to stay in place while moving shelf 44. Shelf cover 102 may be taller than shown or much shorter—in some embodiments shelf cover 102 is no more than an inch or so taller than shelf 44. In another embodiment of the present invention, shelf cover 102 is fine netting. The netting prevents insects or other small creatures from getting to the items on shelf 44.

The preceding descriptions contain significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. They should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given. 

Having described my invention, I claim:
 1. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items, comprising: a) a chassis, having an opening leading into a hollow interior; b) said hollow interior being bounded by a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall; c) an upper door, pivotally mounted to said chassis, said upper door being configured to selectively close a first portion of said opening; d) a lower door, pivotally mounted to said chassis, said lower door being configured to selectively close a second portion of said opening with said first and second portions of said opening being in combination the entirety of said opening; e) said first and second lateral walls opening into a plurality of parallel slots; f) a plurality of shelves, with each of said shelves being configured to slide into said parallel slots in side first and second lateral walls; and g) said chassis including two wheels.
 2. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 1, wherein said upper door is pivotally mounted to said chassis by a first hinge running parallel to one of said first and second lateral walls.
 3. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 1, wherein: a) said hollow interior is bounded by a bottom wall; b) said lower door is pivotally mounted to said chassis by a second hinge running parallel to said bottom wall.
 4. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 2, wherein: a) said hollow interior is bounded by a bottom wall; b) said lower door is pivotally mounted to said chassis by a second hinge running parallel to said bottom wall.
 5. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cutting board detachably mounted to one of said upper and lower doors.
 6. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 4, further comprising an ice catch mounted proximate said bottom wall.
 7. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 2, further comprising as cutting board detachably mounted to one of said upper and lower doors.
 8. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 1, further comprising an ice catch.
 9. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 1, wherein: a) said chassis includes a top surface; and b) further comprising a separate table top running parallel to said top surface.
 10. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 2, wherein: a) said chassis includes a top surface; and b) further comprising a separate table top running parallel to said top surface.
 11. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items, comprising: a chassis having a top portion, a lower portion, and an opening leading into a hollow interior; b) said hollow interior being bounded by a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall; c) an upper door, pivotally mounted to said chassis, said upper door being configured to selectively close a first portion of said opening; d) a lower door, pivotally mounted to said chassis, said lower door being configured to selectively close a second portion of said opening, with said first and second portions of said opening being in combination the entirety of said opening; e) said first and second lateral walls opening into a plurality of parallel slots; f) a plurality of shelves, with each of said shelves being configured to slide into said parallel slots in said first and second lateral walls; and g) said chassis including two wheels mounted proximate said lower portion.
 12. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 11, wherein said upper door is pivotally mounted to said chassis by a first hinge running parallel to one of said first and second lateral walls.
 13. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 11, wherein a) said hollow interior is bounded by a bottom wall; b) said lower door is pivotally mounted to said chassis by a second hinge running parallel to said bottom wall.
 14. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 12 wherein: a) said hollow interior is bounded by a bottom wall; b) said lower door is pivotally mounted to said chassis by a second hinge running parallel to said bottom wall.
 15. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 11, further comprising a cutting board detachably mounted to one of said upper and lower doors.
 16. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 14, further comprising an ice catch mounted proximate said bottom wall.
 17. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 12, further comprising a cutting board detachably mounted to one of said upper and lower doors.
 18. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 11, further comprising an ice catch.
 19. A storage and transportation cooler for positionable items as recited in claim 11, wherein: a) said chassis includes a top surface; and b) further comprising a separate table top running parallel to said top surface.
 20. A storage and transportation cooler for consumable items as recited in claim 12, wherein: a) said chassis includes a top surface; and b) further comprising a separate table top running parallel to said top surface. 